If you are having issues transferring tickets on Ticketmaster, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem. In most cases, technical glitches with the Ticketmaster transfer system are temporary and can be fixed by trying again later. However, there are also some common reasons why a transfer may fail that you can check on your end.
Try again later
Before doing anything else, simply try processing the transfer again after some time has passed. The Ticketmaster transfer system may be experiencing temporary technical issues that clear up within a few hours. Make sure you are using the latest version of your browser and try clearing your cookies/cache to ensure you have the most up-to-date Ticketmaster transfer page.
Check account permissions
You can only transfer tickets to another Ticketmaster account that is allowed to receive ticket transfers. Make sure the recipient’s Ticketmaster account has transfer capabilities enabled. Some restrictions include:
- Fan Accounts – Cannot receive transferred tickets
- Gift Accounts – Can only receive tickets as gifts, not transfers
- Minor Accounts – Must have an adult account holder approve transfers
Have the recipient check their Ticketmaster account settings or contact Ticketmaster Customer Service to enable transfers. Both the sender and recipient must have eligible accounts.
Verify ticket eligibility
Not all tickets can be transferred on Ticketmaster. Common transfer restrictions include:
- Resale tickets – Cannot be transferred after purchase
- Mobile tickets – Can only be transferred to other mobile accounts
- Restricted tickets -venue or event may prohibit transfers
Check the original ticket purchase email or account transaction history to confirm if there are any transfer restrictions in place for that ticket. Certain tickets can only be resold through Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace.
Double check ticket barcodes
One of the most common reasons for a failed transfer is entering the wrong ticket barcode to send. Carefully check that you have the correct ticket barcodes selected from your account to transfer. Barcodes are usually 12-14 digits long. It’s easy to select the wrong ticket if you have many in your account.
Also confirm the barcode numbers match what the recipient sees on their end. Copy and paste barcodes instead of typing them to avoid errors.
Review transfer steps
Follow the Ticketmaster transfer process exactly:
- Sender logs into Ticketmaster account online
- Find eligible tickets and select “Transfer Tickets”
- Enter recipient’s name and Ticketmaster account email
- Confirm transfer details and submit
- Recipient gets email to accept transfer
- Sender confirms transfer is complete
Missing any steps, like the recipient not accepting the transfer, can lead to failure. Going through the process step-by-step avoids mistakes.
Contact Ticketmaster Support
If you still cannot process a ticket transfer after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Ticketmaster Customer Service for assistance. There are a few ways to contact them:
- Online chat support – Available during business hours
- Phone – 800-653-8000 (toll free number)
- Twitter – @Ticketmaster
- Contact form – Submit help request online
When you contact them, provide details on the specific transfer issue including the ticket information, account emails, and any error messages you received. Their team can further investigate and resolve the problem.
Things to know about Ticketmaster transfers
Transfer deadlines
Ticket transfers must be completed before the event starts. The deadline is typically 1-12 hours prior to the scheduled event time. But some tickets cannot be transferred once purchased. Check your ticket listings closely.
Transfer fees
Ticketmaster charges a transfer service fee to both the sender and recipient. This is a fixed fee per ticket transferred. Current fees are around $7-$15 per ticket for electronic transfers.
Recipient restrictions
You can only transfer tickets to someone else using an eligible Ticketmaster account. Tickets cannot be transferred outside of Ticketmaster except for resale in limited cases. Both accounts must have valid contact info and payment methods on file.
Resale restrictions
If you can no longer attend an event yourself, transferred tickets are not the same as reselling. Some tickets have resale restrictions and can only be posted for resale at market value rates on Ticketmaster’s resale platform. Transfers are for sending tickets to friends/family.
Common Ticketmaster transfer error messages
Error messages provide clues as to what is causing a transfer failure. Here are some common Ticketmaster transfer errors:
Error Message | What it Means |
---|---|
Transfer Exceeded | Tickets have already been transferred the maximum allowed times |
Transfer Restricted | Tickets are non-transferrable per event/venue rules |
Transfer Disabled | Recipient’s account has transfers disabled or is ineligible |
Transfer Denied | Recipient declined/failed to accept the transfer in time |
Transfer Unavailable | Technical error with Ticketmaster transfer system |
See the above troubleshooting tips based on the specific error message you receive.
How to resell tickets if transfers don’t work
If tickets cannot be transferred due to restrictions, your only option may be to resell them. Here are two Ticketmaster resale options:
Ticketmaster Resale Site
Eligible tickets can be posted for resale at market value prices on Ticketmaster’s resale site. There are no caps on pricing and you can accept the highest offer. Resale listings also appear in main Ticketmaster searches.
NFL Ticket Exchange
NFL tickets are resold through the NFL Ticket Exchange, operated by Ticketmaster. NFL games have a price floor/ceiling and guaranteed buyers. Other leagues may have special resale sites too.
Check your account transaction history or original receipt for links to resale options. There is usually a deadline right before the event starts to post for resale. Transfer first if possible, otherwise utilize resale sites.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting common Ticketmaster transfer problems like system errors, ineligible tickets/accounts, and mistakes entering barcodes can typically get a transfer through on the second attempt. Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service for help if you still cannot complete the transfer. For non-transferrable tickets, posting them for resale on Ticketmaster’s resale site or a league partner exchange are your remaining options.